Voice is a term that is used to explain whether the performer of an action comes before the action (verb) or whether it comes after the verb in a sentence. When the performer comes before the verb (action) we say the verb is in the active form e.g.
Dairokilled a snake. (Active voice)
S o
However, when the two nouns in the sentence above are swapped, we say the sentence is in the passive form.
A snake was killed by Dairo (Passive voice)
S o
Active Voice Passive Voice
Bola prepared dinner. Dinner was prepared by Bola.
Shade wrote a letter. A letter was written by Shade.
Daddy is building a house. A house is being built by Daddy.
Sola makes beads. Beads are made by Sola.
John will kick the ball. The ball will be kicked by John.
Rules
- There is an exchange of positions between the subject and the object
- The tense of both voices (active and passive) must be the same.
- There is an introduction of ‘by’ in the passive voice
- A form of the verb ‘BE’ is also introduced in the passive voice.
EVALUATION
Change the following sentences to the passive form.
- Amaka sings a song.
- Bukola was cooking a nice meal.
- Emmanuel has posted the letter.
- The principal granted me the permission.
- They offered him a nice job.
See also
Speech Work: Stress Patterns
Essay Writing | Speech Writing, Explanation and Features
VOCABULARY | Words Associated with Publishing
Conditional Clauses | Definition,Types, Examples & Complex Sentence